TOP TEN LONDON PARKS TO RUN IN

To celebrate the launch of our new PARKCLAW G 280 road-to-trail running shoe, we caught up with British-based Malaysian ultra runner, Alison Walker, to find out what her favourite London parks to run in are.

The INOV8 ambassador is no stranger to long miles on both roads and trails, and is the only woman to have completed a solo Smog Graham Round - a 300km route visiting the highest points in all 32 boroughs of London. Despite being in the city, an amazing 50% of the Smog Graham Round is off-road and takes in a number of London’s finest parks; from the well-known likes of Richmond Park to the lesser-known gems of Victoria Park. Alison, who was based in east London for many years, shares her top 10 east and central London parks to run in - including Greenwich Park, the location of our Parkclaw G 280 shoot.

A 213-acre park in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Victoria Park used to be my go-to park for training as I lived right at the entrance. The park is perfectly flat with a few sharp turns, so it is ideal for speed sessions and time trials. There are beautiful gardens on the western side of the park and a more open area to the east. During lockdown, the cinder track was a great substitute for track training, and I even managed a 108-mile run around the park. I’d recommend running there on a Sunday as there is a fantastic weekly market with loads of different food options. My favourite stall is the Malaysian blue rice stall called Eat Lah!

Lying on the western bank of the River Lea, in London’s Lower Lea Valley, Hackney Marshes is a short trot from Victoria Park. A large open space with a tree-lined perimeter, it’s a wonderful place to run on summer days when it’s hot. The park is flat, and perfect if you’d like to do a quick fast run or some speed session.

Just shy of 15 acres, Springfield Park was formed from the grounds of three private houses on the banks of the River Lea. Relatively small in size, it’s got a lovely tempo ‘peanut’ loop for speed sessions and a great café (listed as one of London's Best Park Cafes by the Londonist) for a post run nibble. Springfield Park is also great to link up into longer runs, through the neighbouring 520-acre Walthamstow Wetlands for example.

Another park that boasts a large open space which just looks lovely, is Clissold Park. It is only 1.2 miles to jog around the 55-acre park, but one has plenty of options to incorporate it into a longer run taking in other nearby parks and open spaces. One can also do a great 8-mile circular run to Finsbury Park; along the Parkland Way and New River Path.

Looking to escape the main roads and cars? Finsbury Park is a perfect option. Relatively small at 46-acres, it is quite an open park boasting a little lake and an athletics track for those who like to incorporate a bit of track training.

You’ll forget you are in a city when you run through the ancient woodland of Highgate wood in North London. It’s a lovely place with some trails and is usually quiet. A great place to run when you need a break from the fast-pace of day to day life.

What’s not to love? Hampstead Heath has got hills, trails, lots of paths, lovely views of London, cute dogs and greenery! The 800-acre heath has some of the highest points in London, and some of the best views a park in the city can offer.

While technically not in the Heath, nearby Swain's lane is a good road to do hill reps on too!

410-acres in size, and situated in north-west inner London, Regent’s park is a popular choice with most runners and for good reason too! It’s a large tree-lined park, offering numerous routes that weave between many tranquil ponds and beautiful ornamental gardens. I seem to always bump into someone I know when running in the park.

Located just north of Regents Park, and easy to incorporate into the same run, Primrose Hill is great park to help you get some elevation into your legs. It’s perfect for short and sharp hill sessions and you’ll be treated to the sight of all London’s landmarks from the view point at the top. In the past, I used to run 8 permutations up the hill with my running group, my favourite one was we called 'two benches'. It’s also a great spot to watch NYE fireworks from!

A historic 183-acre park on the banks of the River Thames, Greenwich park has something for everyone. It boasts a lot of hills, and plenty of trails, to run on. There is a lovely café (the Pavilion Café) at the top of the hill near the Royal Observatory. It’s fantastic spot for a post run hot chocolate and gives you great views of London.

Enjoy a lovely run along the river at Battersea Park, on the south bank of the River Thames. The 200-acre Victorian park boasts a boating lake and beautiful grounds, with a 3.5 km perimeter circuit and numerous interior paths. It’s flat and has a well-lit, traffic-free road loop (called Carriage Drive) – perfect for fast miles.

I love linking up my favourite London parks: I run through Victoria Park, Hackney Marshes, Springfield Park, Abney Park and Clissold Park; up the New River path through the West Reservoir and into Finsbury Park; up the Parkland Walk through Highgate Wood before winding into Hampstead Heath; over to Primrose Hill and Regent's Park before looping back along the canal to Victoria Park. It offers a fantastic mix of both road and trail and includes some iconic London views along the way.

*All photos by Gigi Giannella